Alpe d’Huez - Black & White

One of the top climbs of the Tour de France. The average percentage of Alpe d'Huez is quite high at 8.1% with a length of 13.2 km and 1,071m. of climbing. But, isn't on paper at least, one of the toughest climbs. However, what Alpe d'Huez lacks in altitude and length is made up for in intensity. The climb is full-on from the bottom to the top with very little respite from the gradient or the heat bouncing off the south facing rock-lined road. See you there for the 2018 Tour de France.

St. Gotthard Pass - Black & White

The Vintage Road. Most of the St. Gotthard Pass is paved with granite cobbles, smaller cobbles than Flanders, but cobbles none the less. Ok going up, not so much fun going down. But with the real advantage of clearing the motorcycles that plague these roads. With a new road tunnel bypassing the original road entirely, you have the climb almost to yourself, apart from the other crazy cyclists climbing this piece of history. Time to dust off that 1970's Claud Butler or Mercian, and hit the vintage road.

Col du Galibier - Black & White

Climbing the Col du Galibier from the North in something like an hour and a half, or two hours would be considered reasonable. Warren Barguil tops the Strava leaderboard when he went up the Galibier during the 2017 Tour de France like a steam train in a little over 48 minutes. Humbling. I have witnessed greatness with my own eyes. If Warren Barguil doesn't win the Tour de France one day I will eat my hat.

The Stelvio - Black & White

One of the truly great climbs in cycling and one of the great mountain passes of Europe and the world. Nothing compares to The Stelvio for drama and sheer gobsmacking wonder at it all. This isn't about getting close to nature, this is being immersed in it up to your neck.